If all eyes were on LOSC, who were making their debut in Lisbon to challenge Sporting Portugal, this first evening of the new formula of the
Champions League featured many major European teams. The day had started late in the afternoon, with the debut of Juventus Turin, Thiago Motta’s version. And the Old Lady did not disappoint, as they secured a big win against PSV Eindhoven (3-1), with goals from Yildiz (21st), Mckennie (27th) and Gonzalez (52nd), symbolizing a breath of fresh air in the Bianconeri ranks. Saibari’s reduction of the score (90th+1) changed nothing.
At the same time, Aston Villa, led by Unai Emery, also made a strong impression by collecting three points in Switzerland, on the pitch of Young Boys Berne (3-0). Tielemans (27th), Ramsey (38th) and Onana (80th) found the back of the net for the Birmingham club.
Real Madrid got a scare
Later in the evening, the great Real Madrid came up against a team that had caused a sensation in Germany last season, Stuttgart. And the pressure was obviously on Kylian Mbappé’s shoulders. Author of 3 goals in his last 2 appearances in La Liga, the captain of the French team wanted to unlock his Champions League counter with the white jersey. He succeeded. At the end of a supersonic call, the former Parisian, served on a platter by Rodrygo, put the Merengue on the right track as soon as they returned from the locker room (46th).
Let’s not be mistaken: this match was not a long, quiet river for Real. Without being led, the Merengue were long manhandled by a very enterprising German team. A content that is reflected in the figures, since this Real who shot 20 times on goal, also conceded 17 shots. The equalizer of Undav, left alone, came from a certain logic (68th). But even cut in 2, Real remains Real in its self-denial. Rüdiger freed Bernabeu with a header from a corner (83rd), before the young Endrick sealed the result, solo, on a counter (90th + 5).
Liverpool impress, Bayern roll out
Another match was worth a look: Milan-Liverpool, or the remake of the most beautiful final in history, 21 years ago, in Istanbul. And in this vintage match between two of the greatest achievements of the league, it was the Reds who took the lead (3-1). However, everything had started badly for LFC since the San Siro residents broke the deadlock in the 3rd minute through Pulisic (3rd). But Liverpool gradually took the lead. Konaté equalized with a header (23rd) before his defensive partner Van Dijk gave the Reds the lead at the end of the first half (43rd). Liverpool then rolled out and multiplied the assaults until the 3rd goal, scored by the Hungarian Szoboszlai on a beautiful quick attack (67th).
Finally, Bayern Munich gave themselves the win of the evening by humiliating Dinamo Zagreb at the Allianz Arena (9-2)! Harry Kane, author of a quadruple including 3 penalties (20th, 57th, 73rd, 78th) put his stats on fire, as did a newcomer, the Frenchie Michael Olise, who scored his double (38th, 61st). Guerreiro (33rd), Sané (85th) and Goretzka (90th+2) added to the score in this fireworks display, where Petkovic (49th) and Ogiwara (50th) allowed the Croatian club to create an illusion for a crazy minute. Less crazy, however, than this historic correction.
